Pitlochry Travel Guide

Discover the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant food and drink scene of Pitlochry, Scotland with this comprehensive travel guide. Find out what to see, do, eat, and buy in Pitlochry and get tips on transportation, safety, and local customs.


Introduction to Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a charming town located in Perth and Kinross, North East Scotland, that offers a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant food and drink scene. Situated on the banks of River Tummel and flanked by the picturesque Perthshire hills, Pitlochry provides a perfect base for outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing. The town is also renowned for its museums, galleries, and historical landmarks that offer an insight into the rich cultural heritage of Scotland.

List of Places to Visit in Pitlochry

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Blair Castle: This magnificent castle, located a few miles outside Pitlochry, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. The 700-year-old castle is set in stunning grounds and features impressive collections of artwork, antique furniture, and historic artifacts.

  • Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder: This iconic landmark was built in the 1950s to provide hydroelectric power and has since become one of the most fascinating places to visit in Pitlochry. Visitors can watch salmon and trout make their way up the fish ladder during breeding season.

  • Explorers Garden: This botanical garden, which is dedicated to the plant hunters who traveled the world searching for new and exotic plants, features a vast collection of plants from around the world, including some rare species.

Natural Attractions of Pitlochry: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ben Vrackie: This towering mountain offers spectacular views of the surrounding Perthshire hills and is a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Edradour Distillery: This historic distillery, which dates back to 1825, is one of the smallest in Scotland and produces some of the finest single malt whiskies in the world.

  • Tummel Valley: This scenic valley, which is located a few miles outside Pitlochry, is home to a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, walking, and wildlife watching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pitlochry

There are several hiking and biking routes in and around Pitlochry that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Some of the best routes include:

  • Ben Vrackie

  • Killiecrankie Walk

  • Pitlochry to Loch Faskally

Best Things to Do in Pitlochry: Activities and Tours

  • Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of Pitlochry by embarking on outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing.

  • Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Scotland by visiting museums, galleries, and historical landmarks.

  • Whiskey Tours: Discover the secrets behind Scotland’s national drink by taking a tour of the local distilleries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pitlochry

Day 1: Explore the town of Pitlochry, visit the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, and take a stroll along the River Tummel.

Day 2: Hike up Ben Vrackie and take in the stunning views of the Perthshire hills.

Day 3: Take a whiskey tour of the Edradour Distillery and explore the Explorers Garden.

Day 4: Visit Blair Castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, and learn about its fascinating history.

Day 5: Embark on a scenic drive through Tummel Valley and stop off at various viewpoints to admire the landscapes.

Day 6: Participate in outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, or golfing in the local area.

Day 7: Spend the last day in Pitlochry relaxing and indulging in the local food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Pitlochry

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cullen Skink: This delicious soup, made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream, is a Scottish culinary classic.

  • Haggis: This traditional Scottish dish, made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oatmeal and spices, is a must-try for adventurous eaters.

  • Scottish Salmon: Scotland is renowned for its high-quality salmon, which is often served with traditional Scottish sides such as neeps and tatties.

Local Beverages

  • Whiskey: Pitlochry is home to several world-renowned distilleries, including Edradour Distillery, Blair Athol Distillery, and Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.

  • Beer: Scottish beer is famous for its full-bodied flavor and is often served in local pubs and bars.

Where to Stay in Pitlochry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pitlochry has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and taste. Some of the best options include:

  • Fonab Castle Hotel: This five-star hotel, which is located on the banks of Loch Faskally, offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Old Mill Inn: This traditional Scottish inn, which is located in the heart of the town, offers comfortable accommodations and a cozy atmosphere.

  • Craigroyston House: This stylish guesthouse, which is located a short walk from the town center, offers elegant accommodations and excellent service.

What to Buy in Pitlochry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Whiskey: Pitlochry is renowned for its whiskey, and there are several distilleries in the local area that produce some of the finest single malt whiskies in the world.

  • Tartan: Scotland is famous for its tartan patterns, and visitors can find a range of tartan products in local shops and boutiques.

  • Scottish Jewelry: Scottish jewelry, such as the traditional Luckenbooth brooch, is a popular souvenir item.

Local Culture and Customs of Pitlochry

Scotland has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors to Pitlochry can experience this through local festivals, music, and dance. Some of the most notable customs include:

  • Highland Games: These sporting events, which include events such as caber tossing and tug-o-war, are a highlight of the Scottish cultural calendar.

  • Ceilidhs: Ceilidhs, traditional Scottish dances, are held regularly in Pitlochry and offer visitors the chance to learn some new dance moves.

Best Time to Visit Pitlochry

The best time to visit Pitlochry is from late spring to early autumn (May-September) when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, visitors can also enjoy the town’s charm during the winter months when Pitlochry’s cozy atmosphere is at its finest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pitlochry

Do:

  • Respect local customs: Scotland has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions.

  • Try local food and drink: Scotland is famous for its food and drink, and visitors should try some of the local specialties, such as haggis and whiskey.

Don’t:

  • Miss the natural attractions: Pitlochry is known for its stunning natural beauty, and visitors should take the time to explore the local hills, rivers, and valleys.

  • Forget to pack for the weather: Scotland’s weather is notoriously changeable, and visitors should pack for all eventualities, including rain, wind, and sunshine.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a safe town with low levels of crime. Visitors should still exercise common sense and take steps to protect their belongings while traveling.

Health in Pitlochry

Scotland has a national health service that provides free healthcare to all visitors. However, it’s still advisable to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical costs.

Getting to Pitlochry: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pitlochry

  • Edinburgh Airport: This is the nearest international airport to Pitlochry and is located approximately 70 miles away.

  • Glasgow Airport: This airport is located approximately 85 miles away from Pitlochry.

Bus Stations Near Pitlochry

  • Pitlochry Bus Station: This station is located in the town center and offers regular connections to other Scottish towns and cities.

Other Options

  • Train: Pitlochry has a train station that is on the mainline between Edinburgh and Inverness.

  • Car: Pitlochry is easily accessible by car, and there is plenty of parking available in the town center.

How to Get Around in Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a small town that is easily navigable on foot. However, visitors can also hire bikes or take taxis to explore the local area.

Where to Go Next from Pitlochry: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Perth: This historic city, which is located approximately 25 miles away from Pitlochry, is home to several cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historical landmarks.

  • Loch Tay: This picturesque loch, which is approximately 10 miles away from Pitlochry, offers stunning views and a range of outdoor activities.

  • Cairngorms National Park: This stunning national park, which is located approximately 50 miles away from Pitlochry, is home to some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Conclusion

Pitlochry is a charming town that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant food and drink scene. Visitors to Pitlochry can experience the best of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage and enjoy outdoor activities, whiskey tours, and local festivals. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Pitlochry and make the most of your Scottish adventure.

Pitlochry Main street Pitlochry Main street Ben Vrackie Ben Vrackie Edradour Distillery Edradour Distillery Police band at Pitlochry Highland Games Police band at Pitlochry Highland Games The road north into Killiecrankie The road north into Killiecrankie